Fred Astaire’s dancing career was almost an afterthought. His parents were sure that Adele, his elder by three years, was the more promising performer, but New York City dance instructor Claude Alvienne recognized young Fred’s potential. The two starred in what was billed as The Wedding Cake Act, tap-dancing on wood cake props with flashing lights and bells the Astaires played with their hands and feet. Fred’s skill caught the eye of “the most famous tap dancer in the world,” Bill“Bojangles”Robinson.

Fred Astaire’s famously fluid style came both from innate talent and from the relentless discipline that motivated young Fred to watch other vaudeville acts and practice “when anything went wrong or was just the least bit imperfect.”